Pecos police seek MVCPA grant to expand camera coverage, mobile data upgrades

Pecos Police Chief Lisa Tarango asked the council to approve submission of a Motor Vehicle Crime Prevention Authority (MVCPA) grant application that would fund a citywide camera deployment and related technology upgrades.

Tarango told the council the grant was announced with a near‑term deadline, and staff prepared a submission asking initially for $192,000 of equipment and integration work; the total project cost presented to the council was approximately $580,000, with the grant covering 80 percent and the city responsible for roughly 20 percent (about $58,000 on the $192,000 ask). She said the MVCPA program can support cameras, mobile data terminals for patrol units and related capital items and that awards are usually announced in July.

Tarango said the camera system could link to a nationwide network to enable law enforcement hot‑lists and coordinated alerts, and that the city has already used lower-cost solutions such as “deer cameras” for problem spots. She asked staff and council to consider strategic camera placement at public parks and other city properties; the consent agenda that included approval to submit the grant application passed.

Council members asked about reporting requirements and timeframe; Tarango said awardees participate in quarterly program reviews and that the grant is often replenished mid‑year for additional funding if available. The council approved the consent item authorizing submission of the MVCPA grant application.